Stimulating the RURAL ECONOMy

While the entire country is facing a slowdown in economic development, the rural portions of our nation have been struggling for some time. By increasing the market for the products our farmers produce - from corn today to biomass energy crops tomorrow. The new Renewable Fuel Standard will provide a much needed boost to our farm families.

Numerous studies have confirmed that ethanol production creates domestic jobs. The following economic impacts are attributed to the continued growth of the ethanol industry:

• During ethanol plant construction, approximately 370 local jobs are created, providing up to 5,604 person-years of work;

• During ethanol plant operation, up to 4,000 local jobs are created;

• Ethanol plant construction creates $50 million to $130 million in addition income;

• Ethanol plant operation creates $47 million to $100 million in additional income.

Even now ethanol is helping this sector of the population be more productive. The RFS will increase ethanol use and help this issue. A study by the Kellogg School of Management found that ethanol production in the U.S. in 1993 led to the creation of almost 200,000 jobs per year. Since that time ethanol produciton has increase substantially - creating even more employment in our rural areas. This is economic development in an area that needs assistance.

CFDC Chairman Todd Sneller of the Nebraska Ethanol Board and Executive Director Doug Durante recently addressed this subject in an opinion piece in the Nebraska Grand Island Independent. Click here to see the article as it appeared in November 2005.